MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emerged as the most approved top government official in a recent nationwide survey conducted by RPMD Foundation Inc., even as the country faces ongoing political tensions involving key national leaders.

The “Boses ng Bayan” survey, conducted from April 1 to 8, showed Marcos posting the highest rating among senior officials based on combined trust and approval scores.

The non-commissioned survey covered 5,000 respondents across socioeconomic classes nationwide, with a margin of error of ±1 percent at a 95-percent confidence level.

Marcos registered a 57-percent Index of Governance (IOG) score, supported by 56-percent trust and 58-percent approval ratings.

The survey noted steady public confidence in the President and his administration despite recent political developments, including discussions on the possible impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and the reported legal issues involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

Marcos recorded 58-percent support in Balance of Luzon, excluding Metro Manila, identified as his strongest base. He also reportedly gained ground in Mindanao, a traditional stronghold of Duterte allies, while voters in the Visayas were described as politically divided but slightly leaning in his favor.

Duterte posted a 54-percent IOG score, with 57-percent trust and 51-percent approval ratings, according to the survey.

Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III obtained a 52-percent IOG score, while House Speaker Faustino Dy III recorded 55 percent.

Among Cabinet members, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian topped the list with an 87-percent IOG score, followed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara with 85 percent, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla with 82 percent, and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon with 80 percent.

Other officials included Executive Secretary Ralph Recto (78 percent), Justice Secretary Eric Vida (76 percent), Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (75 percent), Trade Secretary Cristina Roque (73 percent), Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (72 percent), and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo (70 percent).

Also included were Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez (69 percent), Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac (67 percent), Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa (65 percent), Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro (63 percent), Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (62 percent), and Housing Secretary Jose Aliling (60 percent).

Lower ratings were recorded by Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III (58.5 percent), Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez (57 percent), Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda (55.5 percent), Finance Secretary Frederick Go (54 percent), Energy Secretary Sharon Garin (53.5 percent), Economy Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (52.5 percent), Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe (51.5 percent), and Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo (50.5 percent).

RPMD said the results reflect a shifting political landscape shaped by governance performance, accountability issues, and regional preferences.

“This is the political mood of Filipinos now,” RPMD executive director and Global Affairs analyst Paul Martinez said.

“The electorate are becoming more politically divided, but also more engaged and more discerning. Regional and class-based preferences are becoming more pronounced, reflecting a more competitive and evolving political environment,” he added.